Clinging anchor for access gaining

ABSTRACT

A launchable package for establishing anchorage in inaccessible locations. The launchable package contains a clinging component capable of attaching to a target; and a line for connection to the clinging component. Clinging can be achieved by a penetrating nail or by glue. The launchable package can be launched manually or by a launcher.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of climbing and gaining access to remote sites such as rocks, walls and buildings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For a variety of reasons, it is at times desirable to gain access to sites unreachable by conventional means. The term “inaccessible” used in hereafter means usually walls or rocks, buildings and other constructions that can be reached using auxiliary gear only.

An attachable ground sensor is disclosed in “Unattended ground sensor technologies and applications II, Edward M. Carapezza, Todd M, Hintz Editors, Proceedings of SPIE Vol 4040 (2000)”. The sensor presented therewith is packed in a conventional projectile that can be launched and further attached to a target. The attachment is brought about by the penetration of a nail disposed at the head of the projectile and the penetration force applied by the impact on the target.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an anchor of the invention clinging to a wall;

FIG. 2A is a schematic description of a cross section of a sticky anchor of the invention, clinging to a wall;

FIG. 2B is a schematic description of a cross section in an intact sticky anchor;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The system of the invention includes a launchable anchor, and at least a line for connecting between the anchor and launcher. One example of an embodiment of the present invention is described schematically with reference to FIG. 1. A launchable anchor (LA) 10 has been launched on to wall 12, generally defined as “inaccessible” at least at its upper parts. The launched LA has attached to the wall by virtue of glue 14 that has spread out of the LA, adhering to wall 12. Line 16 is connected to LA 10 at one end, and therefore is indirectly connected to wall 10. At the other end it rests on the ground. In FIGS. 2A and 2B further aspects of the system of the invention are demonstrated. In FIG. 2A, a cross section in an exemplary clinging LA is shown. Shell 20 is clinging to wall 22 having fractures 24 formed therein as a result of the impact with the wall. Rope 26 held by shell 20 is connected at its LA end to a plurality of sticking threads such as thread 28. The threads and glue (not shown) typically fill up a considerable portion of internal volume 30 of LA shell 20. As shown in FIG. 2B, intact clinging LA 36 has front end 38 typically heavier than the rear part, in order to keep a frontal position when launched. Inside the clinging LA shell, which serves as a container, sticking threads and glue are disposed to facilitate clinging as will be discussed below. Line connector 40 held by the shell has a ring connected to its rear end, through which a line, a rope or a thread can be inserted for connecting with the ground. In other embodiments the container for the glue is separated from a housing containing the sticking threads.

The line connected to the LA is used for conveying objects to the clinging anchor's whereabouts. For example, a person located in an otherwise inaccessible location, is sent provisions and tools by way of the line connected to a LA. The line connected to the LA at launching may be replaced after the clinging has taken place. For example, a person located at the top of a rock, gets an LA to which he has access. The string sent initially upon launching can be used to send other types of connecting means such as a rope or an electric wire, each of which is used for a specific end. In some embodiments of the present invention the line attached to the LA is easily detached such as by untying or by releasing of a mechanical fastener.

The strength of the anchorage depends upon various factors, for a clinging type anchor, for example, the amount and strength of the glue, the area covered by the glue and sticking elements. The properties of the surface onto which the LA is clung also contribute to the overall tenacity of the clinging. For a penetrating type anchor, the ability of the nail to penetrate and hold to the substrate, greatly affect the anchorage efficacy.

Launching of the LA

Launching can be effected manually or by means of a launching tool. For example, an appliance such as a grenade launcher can be used. A rocket launcher can be employed if the LA bears its own propelling payload. Another type of launching facility is pressurized gas or air propelled launching devices, resembling air rifles or guns. The LA may be launched from the ground or from the air as from an helicopter. Once anchorage has been established, objects can be conveyed to the location of anchor.

Transportation Cart

Another aspect of the invention is a transportation cart driven by the pulling of a line launched using a penetrating anchor. An example for such a use is in transportation of provisions over a river. In such an example, the penetrating anchor is launched in much the same way as a clinging anchor, and once anchorage is obtained, the line on the launching side is pulled at one end, while at the other end a connected cart is towed by the force of the withdrawing line.

Structure of the Clinging LA

An embodiment of the invention consists of at least a clinging component and a line connector. The structure of the clinging component is adapted to establishing anchorage by achieving attachment either mechanically, chemically, or combined. If the attachment mechanism is mechanical, using a penetrating nail for example, then a penetrating nail and the subtending structure for firmly holding the nail is present. If the attachment mechanism is chemical, the clinging component is to contain a container for the glue and possibly housing for the sticky threads. The line connector of the present invention may be a hook or a ring connected to the clinging component. On the other hand, the connector may be integral with the clinging component. Alternatively, the clinging component may be attached directly to a line, and in this case the clinging component may be defined as connector as well. The overall shape of the clinging anchor is to conform with aerodynamic and flight dynamic design rules in order to be able to fulfill the requirements in terms of distance to target and the correct posture the clinging anchor assumes as reaches the target.

If the attachment mechanism is chemical, the LA is preferably supplied with one or more sticky threads. These threads are meant to distribute at a radius around the point of impact and associate with the glue to increase the strength of the attachment. The larger the area spread with glue, and the stronger the glue, the stronger the attachment. The sticky threads are made of any of several materials. Examples are plastic fibers, strips of cloth, fiberglass and metal wires.

The LA as a Projectile

The LA can be packaged inside a conventional projectile maintaining all or some of the prominent features of the flight dynamics that permit launching and delivery to the target. A two stage propulsion utilizes the first stage to propel the LA whereas the second stage is used to further provide a thrust to increase the distance reached or enhance its attachment capabilities if a penetrating nail is used for attaching. 

1. A launchable system for establishing anchorage in inaccessible locations, comprising: a clinging component capable of attaching to a target; and a line connection means.
 2. A system as in claim 1 wherein said clinging component comprises a penetrating nail.
 3. A system as in claim 1 wherein said clinging component comprises a container for at least glue.
 4. A system as in claim 1 wherein said clinging component comprises a container for glue and a housing for sticky threads.
 5. A method for gaining access to inaccessible sites, comprising the steps of: launching a launchable anchor (LA) to which a line is connected; establishing anchorage on an inaccessible site, and conveying at least an object to said LA.
 6. A method for gaining access to inaccessible sites as in claim 5 wherein an object conveyed is a cart.
 7. A method for gaining access to inaccessible sites as in claim 5 wherein said launching is performed manually.
 8. A method for gaining access to inaccessible sites as in claim 5 wherein said launching is performed by means of a launcher. 